A novel household-based patient outreach pilot program to boost late-season influenza vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background The objective of this study was to test a novel household-based approach to improve late-season influenza vaccine uptake during the 2020-2021 season, using Epic's MyChart patient portal messages and/or interactive voice response telephone calls. Methods This study was a non-blinded, quality improvement program using a block randomized design conducted among patients from Reliant Medical Group clinics residing in a traditional household (>= 2 individuals clinically active in the Reliant system living at the same address). Households were randomized 1:1:1 into intervention arms: non-tailored communication (messaging based on CDC's seasonal influenza vaccination campaign), tailored communication (comprehensive communication including reinforcement of the importance of influenza vaccination for high-risk individuals), and standard-of-care control. Influenza vaccination during the program was captured via medical records, and the odds of vaccination among communication arms versus the control arm were assessed. A survey assessing influenza vaccination drivers was administered using MyChart. Results Influenza vaccination increased by 3.3% during the program period, and no significant differences in vaccination were observed in intervention arms relative to the control arm. Study operationalization faced substantial challenges related to the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with vaccinated survey respondents, unvaccinated respondents less frequently reported receiving a recommendation for influenza vaccination from their healthcare provider (15.8% vs. 42.3%, p < 0.001) or awareness that vaccination could protect themselves and higher risk contacts (82.3% vs. 92.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusions No significant effects of the interventions were observed. Survey results highlighted the importance of healthcare provider recommendations and the need for increased education around the benefits of vaccination.